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I have a dear friend who is type O (I typed her myself). She has great difficulty digesting meat, so much that I thought she was a type A before I tested her. She has a slender build, is pear-shaped, and is almost certainly an Explorer. She gets most of her protein from nuts and tofu. Eating tofu has helped her a great deal with the terrible menstrual cramps she used to get. Eating meat or a lot of fat makes her badly constipated. I don't know what's going on here. She has worse food sensitivities than I do. What do you think is happening? ??)

Posted by: Possum, Friday, July 6, 2012, 12:38am; Reply: 1

Maybe she has BT 'A' in her close heritage - like one of her parents? (Not sure how to explain that scientifically) and it could also be an issue of gut damage from wheat &/or soy...(no matter how it helps her cycle) Also some of us O's do have less stomach acid than others..As was suggested to me, digestive enzymes can help a lot ;)

Posted by: Marc121, Friday, July 6, 2012, 2:13am; Reply: 2

I don`t know exactly yet. But when I eat beef I feel more aggresive. And easily gets temper. :-/So I just eat fish instead most of the time.

Posted by: TJ, Friday, July 6, 2012, 5:22am; Reply: 3

She says that if she eats fish she can smell it on herself the next day. Definitely some leaky gut issues there. She avoids wheat, dairy, sugar, and eggs, among other things.

Posted by: Goldie, Friday, July 6, 2012, 10:55am; Reply: 4

well there is always on oddball .. but soy? What a way to create issues? I understand the hormone thing, but I would look to other things.. or get it in homeopathic support. There are other foods that will serve the same purpose..

Will she be ready to make some changes?

I would almost guess she bought into vegetarian living, and finds all else repulsive.. she could eat eggs to start with, or find fault with it also?

IT does take some time to 'fix' the belly, and much detective work, with honesty! If the SOY was helping she would not need it as much.. but I would never want to get into that hornet nest of suggesting that it is all in the mind.

I might look at what she is eating that has enough Magnesium in it ( for muscle spasm) .. I think O's have a hard time getting enough. I suffered greatly (after on accident) for decades, maybe because, I did not have enough info on that subject)

Posted by: Henriette Bsec, Friday, July 6, 2012, 11:03am; Reply: 5

Maybe she should look into a GAPS diet approach combined with O food. :-/

I would get Probiotics for O type and eat a high dose.I would get lots of beef, veal , turkey and chicken broth.O friendly veggies with ghee or olive oil on.Later some cooked fruit,slowly introducing Meat, fish and eggs back in diet.

I have healed my leaky gut 2 with this approach and my friend who is O type have had lots of benefits from it as well.She couldn´t handle any diary at all - had a problem with beef and eggs. But today she can eat all things - including O type friendly dairy,She keeps a good probiotic as back up - an eats lots of fermented veggies.

Posted by: weekender, Friday, July 6, 2012, 11:11am; Reply: 6

If the gut is not strong, then eating more cooked foods can help to give a bit of breathing space. Cooking soups and stews and other slow cooking techniques helps to make meat and other foods more digestable. As the digestion gets stronger, you can then start changing the ratio of cooked foods and start eating more raw foods like salads etc.Glutamine is a good amino acid that can supplement to heal the gut.Maybe she has some food intolerances? An IgG test would buddy up well with BTD/GTD to help get whatever inflammation in there down.Like Goldie said I would think magnesium could help her, and 4 day rotation (or as close as possible) so not eating the same food day in-day out and possibly causing more problems.Many years ago I suffered the same problem, I would be in excruciating pain within half an hour of eating a steak, I could barely move and felt truly awful. It took a long time to heal my gut to where it is, now I can't go more than a few days without eating red meat and I digest it no problems.Bananas - now there's a whole other problem..... And swami has them as a diamond for me (think)

Posted by: Easy E, Friday, July 6, 2012, 1:36pm; Reply: 7

O's are prone to ulcers. Maybe she has an ulcer, though she would probably feel it intensely and have symptoms at times. (my wife is O gatherer and she has an ulcer right now, can't handle stuff she used to eat just fine.)

O's are prone to ulcers. Maybe she has an ulcer, though she would probably feel it intensely and have symptoms at times. (my wife is O gatherer and she has an ulcer right now, can't handle stuff she used to eat just fine.)

She has had an ulcer before.

The magnesium and glutamine seem like they could help. When I've fed her beef, it was cooked thoroughly; she liked it but it didn't go through well. It's like it's good for all of her except for her digestive system. Her diet is so limited that I don't think a rotation is practical.

Posted by: yvonneb, Friday, July 6, 2012, 9:14pm; Reply: 9

Two thoughts...

What ethnicity is she?

Can she take linseed/flaxseed for the constipation?

Posted by: paul clucas, Friday, July 6, 2012, 11:04pm; Reply: 10

A secretor test is vital at this point. Her nuts, vegetable proteins, veggies, and fruit need to be the best they can be to support her digestion. Slippery elm powder might relieve her digestion upsets. Try to find a less objectional fish. I find that I can barely tell which kind of fish I use in my fish stir fry. Onions, radishes, lots of hot spices mask the fishy element. Smell of curry the next day not fish.

The tofu is most likely addressing her estrogen/progesterone balance. She should eventually come off the Tofu, but be ready with supplements to replace the help the tofu is giving or bio-identical hormone support from a specialist.

For upset digestion lamb/goat/ or mutton will be better than beef or suitable game bird if she is a non-secretor. Beef is a goal that she does not have to reach just now. Being an Explorer is not enough to make it likely she is a nonnie. Check her index and thumb prints for absent symmerty - Explorer sign. Whorl - loop or radial loop ulnar loop would count.

Posted by: PCUK-Positive, Friday, July 6, 2012, 11:17pm; Reply: 11

Sounds like a liver issue, from my recent experience and checking back on records.

probably best initially if she eases up on protein perhaps only having protein at lunch time between 12 an 1 pm while she detoxes and you both get a plan of action together. eat smaller meals in the morning and evenings preferable vegetarian in the evening. use ghee but stick to min levels. absolutely no transfats or fatty foods for a while until sorted at least.

minimise toxins, so organic everything, stop cosmetics, environmental toxins, take it seriously while you look into liver and gallstone / flushes - or alternatives.

if explorer then Dr D recommends a fairly non invasive liver detox by drinking apple juice for a day and then curling up at night with a water water bottle and caster oil pack. see the results.

keep the sugar to a minimum, stop alcohol and chocolate for a while. get hydration increased.

glass of water first thing, then 30 mins before each meal to start preferable room temperature in the morning or even warm water, seems to help a great deal.

soaks in Epsom salts baths, Dr D's liver supplements

improve sleeping habits if out of kilter, bed by 10 pm up early in the morning and get plenty of sun in a safe way but with out sunglasses and without sunscreen or any commercial sun cream, coconut oil is all we use.

A secretor test is vital at this point. Her nuts, vegetable proteins, veggies, and fruit need to be the best they can be to support her digestion. Slippery elm powder might relieve her digestion upsets.

I don't know if I can sell her on the secretor test just yet. Slippery elm seems like another good idea. I'll suggest it. She's been taking guar gum with some benefit, but I don't know how it rates for her. It's an avoid for me. Personally I wish there was something better than tofu, but it's working for her atm.

Sounds like a liver issue, from my recent experience and checking back on records.

probably best initially if she eases up on protein perhaps only having protein at lunch time between 12 an 1 pm while she detoxes and you both get a plan of action together. eat smaller meals in the morning and evenings preferable vegetarian in the evening. use ghee but stick to min levels. absolutely no transfats or fatty foods for a while until sorted at least.

...keep the sugar to a minimum, stop alcohol and chocolate for a while. get hydration increased.

I agree with the liver issues, but how is it connected to the digestion? Not enough gall? Going light on protein might be another good thought. She doesn't drink alcohol or smoke. She doesn't eat sugar or chocolate (or at least only rarely).

Posted by: Amazone I., Saturday, July 7, 2012, 5:26am; Reply: 14

some forshkolin would be nice here ;)...wish you good luck and yup B-vits and C andsome glutamin to prevent leaky gut syndrome....

Posted by: DoS, Saturday, July 7, 2012, 6:33am; Reply: 15

Vitamins, B6 (higher amounts), zinc for enzymes, good fats with choline at same time (maybe just lecithin at same time), and make sure a lot of omega 3's. Then do regular liver stuff too, exercise!

:) they think they should just feel better-- but often they feel worse before they feel better.

Posted by: de_nogent, Saturday, July 7, 2012, 5:28pm; Reply: 17

Check out "The Food Combining/Blood Type Diet Solution" by Dina Khader. Don't eat fruit or drink water with protein (15 min before, 45 min after). Fruit can ferment and cause gas when eaten with protein because they require different enzymes and digestion times. Drinking water with protein will dilute stomach acid and inhibit digestion.

Posted by: Mrs T O+, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 2:13am; Reply: 18

Is this some kind of detox? Did she have a bad diet &/or much illness before?

I also think the food combinations help.

Posted by: cleo1978, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 7:48am; Reply: 19

Re. her genotype, it sounds like she may be a Gatherer. They are often type o, are primarily vegetarian, and often pear-shaped. Could you perform Swami to find out?

Re. her genotype, it sounds like she may be a Gatherer. They are often type o, are primarily vegetarian, and often pear-shaped. Could you perform Swami to find out?

??)

I think vegetarian is a stretch.

Grass fed meat is important for O's.

Posted by: Mother, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 4:08pm; Reply: 21

Check out Seacure. It's full of glutamine and pre-digested fish protein. Great for healing the gut. Dr D mentions it in LR. I have found lately that I am definately not at my best with red meat. Lamb is better and all need to be in small amounts. An organic, grass fed applegate farms hot dog is just the right amount to satisfy my craving. I do leaps and bounds better with fish and poultry, again, I don't need large amounts especially at one sitting. I make lettuce wraps with romaine, onion, cilantro, chopped artichoke and a tbsp of protein. Poultry works well for me too. My daughter is the same way with red meat. She is either a gatherer or explorer. Bone broth is the fastest way to healing that I know. I have a 1/2 cup every morning and immediately feel better. My digestion is great on the days I drink it and still good, but not as good on the days I don't. I don't get fussy with it. I just make a big pot of slow cooked bones, drain, strain and chill then add a little sea salt and kelp flakes and that's it. Tastes just fine, especially for the way it makes me feel immediately healthier. Good luck...everything is a mystery, right?

Is this some kind of detox? Did she have a bad diet &/or much illness before?

She has been sick for years, with chronic fatigue and digestion issues.

I'm going to email this thread to her so she can look over it. I personally think that getting the secretor test and SWAMI are very good ideas, but they are expensive.

Posted by: JJR, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 7:05pm; Reply: 23

My guess is her gut is messed up. Meat is hard to digest when your guts are messed up. I am a meat eater kind of guy and always have been, but when I was at my worst, Fish was really the only kind that went down, somewhat OK. Even that was hard. That's when I was pounding the ginger and garlic to get things to move. But people say beware of ginger and thinning of the blood. If she's an O, it might not be the best deal for her. Or garlic either. IDK. But yeah, like Paul said, slippery elm might work. It's in Dr.D's gastro D, or whatever they call it now.

Posted by: cleo1978, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 7:48pm; Reply: 24

I was under the impression that, for some gatherers, a primarily vegetarian diet was preferable. I.e. "However, among hunter-gatherers there is a variation from vegetarian to meat-eating that corresponds gradual change of climatic zones from the tropical to the polar regions. The main foods of northern hunter-gatherers were animals, those of the hunter-gatherers living in the tropical islands of Southeast Asia or the like were vegetables, the latter seeming to be typical of the oldest stage in the evolution of human food habits." I know for myself, I have fewer meats than do others in my genotype (Teacher), but likely all teachers would have less than Hunters.This is why a swami-profile I think would be most beneficial, barring other issues, and of course taking other issues into account, i.e. where her lineage is from and what other maladies she suffers. Without a proper and comprehensive first analysis, we are all sort of taking "stabs in the dark", which may be universally benifical things, but could also potentially be things that could cause more damage...

Posted by: DoS, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 8:22pm; Reply: 25

Wish I could meet her, that makes it easier.

I wouldn't guess Gatherer, personally. The liver is very plausible, but the liver won't detox at all if the system is too inflamed, and too tired to do anything about it. This to me seems like a minor flaw in the whole BTD/GTD/SX/SP situation that sometimes the GenoType doesn't matter to people that have had severe deficiency in nutritional aspects. In fact Dr. D knows this and so the quiz you can take might point you towards the BTD first, to work around this issue, before going deeper. Luckily blood type O have stronger digestive systems so pulling out of it is easier.

Posted by: Chloe, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 9:53pm; Reply: 26

Just thinking outside the box here... For a pear shaped body, I'm wondering if it's the animal fat that'sbeen the problem, not so much the animal protein.....Eating an animal that wasn't grass fed....or an animal that might have been fed grains....and if she's a nonnie, this could be a major issue.

An prior ulcer could mean that she still has a problem....perhaps she should be tested for H Pylori.

Posted by: DoS, Sunday, July 8, 2012, 10:36pm; Reply: 27

Tj...

If she is low on B6, then the intestines can not repair themselves and leaky-gut will be serious. Also when a balancing act like probiotics, red meat, or parmesan cheese is enacted upon them, you get a brief feel good moment that leads to constipation. It just doesn't work because you half-way fix it and create a war zone since the intestines themselves will not balance out (the bacteria can likely be living in the intestines when they are degraded, it likes to burrow). The level of inflammation caused by a war zone in the intestines, not just going through it, is a powerful block on health. I myself use this to be able to fight it because otherwise not much happens but slow movement.

I was under the impression that, for some gatherers, a primarily vegetarian diet was preferable. I.e. "However, among hunter-gatherers there is a variation from vegetarian to meat-eating that corresponds gradual change of climatic zones from the tropical to the polar regions. The main foods of northern hunter-gatherers were animals, those of the hunter-gatherers living in the tropical islands of Southeast Asia or the like were vegetables, the latter seeming to be typical of the oldest stage in the evolution of human food habits."

There is a difference between being a "Gatherer" in Dr D's Genotype Diet/SWAMI system, and the historical diet of "hunter-gatherer" tribes. Of the three types O's can be, Gatherers probably have the largest portions of vegetable protiens and may fare the "least badly" as vegetarians. However, type O need animal protein to thrive, including red meat. The ratios of red meat/poultry/fish may vary, as will the portion sizes of animal foods relative to other foods in the diet. Some Os do thrive on a very low-meat diet, but SWAMI will not compute a vegetarian diet for an O.

This individual clearly has a lot of gut healing to do so that she'll be able to eat meat in the future. IMO, she won't be able to fully heal and stay healthy until she's able to eat meat regularly. I doubt she can heal from dietary changes alone; supplements are probably needed. However, I'm not an expert on gut healing so I can't tell you which supplements to use or in what dosages.

As a type O, I can say, from experience, that all the meat I eat has to be super, super lean. Fats slow digestion, and if your digestion is already slow, then something relatively difficult to digest such as meats need to be in small portions (i.e. 3oz) & easily digestible.

Also, IMO, there are certain heavy metals that influence both the liver & reduce the body's ability to produce HCL. If she's an explorer, it would explain why meat seems to be an issue for her.

Personally I take around 4 - 6 HCL tablets whenever I have meat. Fish, on the other hand, I could basically have double the quantity and find no problem with whatsoever.

Hope this helps :)

Posted by: Mother, Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 3:34am; Reply: 30

I agree with the meat/ fish thing. My red meats have to be in small quantities and very lean but fish just always works. I was assuming it was the saturated fat. I don't have problems with olive oil but I don't like my salads swimming in it either. I do like a mix of white and dark with poultry.

Posted by: Easy E, Thursday, July 19, 2012, 1:57pm; Reply: 31

You can also try a fiber supplement like metamucil or a generic brand that is cheaper and uses the exact same stuff. It can help the digestive system clear out wastes and the fiber helps digestion.

Not sure how it rates with O's (or A's for that matter). But it seems to have beneficial effects for both me and my wife (who is an O gatherer).

Posted by: Jane, Thursday, July 19, 2012, 2:12pm; Reply: 32

If she has problems with fats wouldn't that suggest gall bladder problems? I know another O that can't tolerate meat or eggs and I'm pretty positive she's an Explorer. She has great sensitivity to medications, etc.

Posted by: TJ, Thursday, July 19, 2012, 4:36pm; Reply: 33

I have wondered about the gall bladder, too. She won't eat substantial amounts of fish because she can smell it on herself the next day -- leaky gut I guess. I sent the link to this thread to her, so maybe she's been reading it.

Posted by: Eric, Friday, July 20, 2012, 8:01am; Reply: 34

Very interesting. My sister in-law (O+) can't eat meat either, which is why I get so much criticism from my family about the BTD. Her parents are A and B.

Posted by: deblynn3, Friday, July 20, 2012, 2:19pm; Reply: 35

constipation comes with changes in eating habits. I'd noted that on many of the constipation threads. Checking into those threads might provide some ideas.

I had problems and I was a meat eater, Lamb seems to be the least to give me problems, today the ARA6, magnesium keep it under control.

Posted by: JJR, Friday, July 20, 2012, 4:15pm; Reply: 36

My Doctor is an O and he says he takes digestive enzymes. Everyone is different. And problems in the gut will do that. And yeah, if she's had an ulcer in the past, there may be a good chance of an imbalance of H.Pylori in her stomach. Which in my experience makes it nearly impossible to digest a LOT of food. Especially meats. I highly recommend the gastro. There were several things that seem to deal with that well for me, but Gastro-D was one of them. Homeopathic drops specifically for H.Pylori and Crypto Spirridium. Manuke Honey, probiotics, digestive enzymes, cultured carrots, and the right diet. There were a few more things but even if she did ONE of those things, I bet there would be some improvement. If she doesn't have any money to spend on supps, then start with some cultured carrots. But if she does have money for at least one supplement, the Gastro D will start dealing with it. I know there were times that if I didn't have it, I was in big trouble. It made a HUGE difference. For me at least.

My advice will probably not sit well here, but I think some serious testing is in order. First, I would look at a test called NutrEval then I would look at IgG Food Antibody Assessment, both by Genova Diagnostics. Otherwise, all of this is just a c**p shoot. I have way too many unused supplement prescribed by well-meaning practitioners. These types of tests helped me to focus on my specific issues. Genova Diagnostics also does Complete Hormone Testing, which sounds like it could be helpful as well.

I am sure you can find a practitioner in your area who can administer these tests and then help with a diet and supplements once you get the information you need. Although I am an O+ nonnie, a lot of the generalizations about O's don't fit for me because of my specific genetic makeup. Remember we are all individuals. Sharing with the best of intentions :)

Very interesting. My sister in-law (O+) can't eat meat either, which is why I get so much criticism from my family about the BTD. Her parents are A and B.

Either her parents are not both her biological parents (adoption, one parent is really a step-parent) or somebody has their blood typed wrong. If she's really an A then her intolerance of meat would make sense.

Either her parents are not both her biological parents (adoption, one parent is really a step-parent) or somebody has their blood typed wrong. If she's really an A then her intolerance of meat would make sense.

Ruth,If both parents (the A and B) have a recessive O and passed it to the woman in question, she could be Type O as stated with these parents...

Posted by: mikeo, Sunday, July 22, 2012, 1:27am; Reply: 40

she should consume grass fed meat medium rare half fist size with just vegetables...no starch...sometimes it's a psychological thing that shuts the stomach down at the site of meat

sometimes false agreements are that powerful that nearly nothing is doable for changes... :-/ patterns..... habits..... and the willpower of letting be is able to hurt someone powerfully..... :o... but remember it well...also here ...alltimes needs are beyond such a behaviour.....what do YOU think is the need eventually here ??)....

Posted by: MissyRuth, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 7:44am; Reply: 43

I think the most powerful thing that needs to happen is that this person seek out the help for herself. There is something about getting fed up with being sick and feeling awful and doing your own wellness hunt that is empowering and healing. Often we hold onto our illnesses and dysfunctions because we are not quite yet ready to get well. Just an insight from personal experience - in many cases "Can Not" means "Will Not Allow to Happen" for me - when I am ready to get well, I can handle a lot of strange things but nobody else can do it for me or coax me to do it.

Check out "The Food Combining/Blood Type Diet Solution" by Dina Khader. Don't eat fruit or drink water with protein (15 min before, 45 min after). Fruit can ferment and cause gas when eaten with protein because they require different enzymes and digestion times. Drinking water with protein will dilute stomach acid and inhibit digestion.

That sort of advise has been around for centuries but normally its 30 mins before and 2 to 2 and a half hours afterwards.

Posted by: PCUK-Positive, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 11:44am; Reply: 45

She sounds more like a explorer than a gatherer and also probably a Non secretor. or should be treated like one until she is well. what condition are her teeth in?

perhaps a bit of oil pulling in the morning may help detox her too.

probably a fructose malabsorber also - is there a German descendency?

also when a woman says she rarely eats chocolate - I would rarely believe her ;)

Vegetarian is more than a stretch for Gatherer, even if you are talking peso-vegetarian. The GTD Gatherer is more of a land animal eater than either the GTD Nomad or the mythical ABO non-specific GTD Explorer.

Ruth,If both parents (the A and B) have a recessive O and passed it to the woman in question, she could be Type O as stated with these parents...

Duh. I knew that! Still, it can't hurt to double-check her blood type.

Posted by: TJ, Monday, July 30, 2012, 1:58am; Reply: 48

She has been working at her health for years now. Unfortunately she's in a tight spot, living in a stressful home and working a taxing job that demands keeping up a certain appearance. She doesn't have anything left to regularly do everything she needs to do to maintain her health.

Posted by: JJR, Monday, July 30, 2012, 8:22pm; Reply: 49

Stress can do a lot to your gut. I think. But there is usually a physical component too. It all goes together, IMHO.

Posted by: paul clucas, Thursday, August 2, 2012, 9:01pm; Reply: 50

Exercising usually does not take exta money unless your consider the extra water and electricity for a shower afterwards. There might be som equipment to buy - but that usually lasts.

It is hard to overstress the importance of exercise for type O's - boosts the natural autophagy.

Posted by: 61470 (Guest), Sunday, April 20, 2014, 6:59pm; Reply: 51

What about Type O's who are vegetarian for ethical reasons? How may I post this question as a new thread since I cannot find one that relates more closely to this issue. I respond extremely well to red meat physically, but the emotional/psychie stress of eating a sentient being is unbearable. Has anyone tried the Protein powder as an alternative in order to get enough protein? I am eager to know if this is advisable. Please help!

Posted by: ABJoe, Sunday, April 20, 2014, 7:15pm; Reply: 52

Quoted from 61470

What about Type O's who are vegetarian for ethical reasons? How may I post this question as a new thread since I cannot find one that relates more closely to this issue. I respond extremely well to red meat physically, but the emotional/psychie stress of eating a sentient being is unbearable. Has anyone tried the Protein powder as an alternative in order to get enough protein? I am eager to know if this is advisable. Please help!

It is very difficult to get enough of the right proteins, fats, etc. for Type O to be really healthy without eating meat. There was a woman in India who was a regular on the forum several years ago who was making it work somewhat, but it was a real challenge for her to keep her body within a tolerable balance.

The psychie stress you speak of is self-imposed, so it is something that can be overcome - it just may be uncomfortable for a while as you learn to accept that your body really does need the meat.

Posted by: Lloyd, Sunday, April 20, 2014, 7:43pm; Reply: 53

Quoted from 61470

How may I post this question as a new thread since I cannot find one that relates more closely to this issue.